By Esho Ayemoba in Benin
The Edo State Government at the weekend presented automatic letters of employment to four more first-class graduates.
This is in fulfillment of the government’s pledge of automatic employment to first-class graduates of Edo origin in all Nigerian universities.
Governor Godwin Obaseki who was represented at the ceremony by the State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa said since the governor’s assumption of office, 50 first class graduates have been employed.
The graduates presented with the employment letters are: Ivie Ojezua, a graduate of History and International Studies from Edo State University, Uzairue and Ohioze Precious Aimalohi, graduate of Plant Biology and Biotechnology from the University of Benin (UNIBEN).
Others are Victory Iserhienrhien, graduate of Industrial Mathematics from UNIBEN and Isaac Ofuje Oguns, a graduate of Electrical Engineering from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma.
The Head of Service said, “Without an effective public service, we cannot have an effective governance system. That is why the governor has left no stone unturned in ensuring that the public service in Edo State is the best that it can be in every area.
“Today, as a public service, we are the best state in this country. We are the only one all over this country that is not holding back promotion arrears. We get our salaries as and when due. As a public service, we have the best intellectual property resource development centres and products.
Okungbowa noted, “As a public service, we have the best workplace environment in the whole of this country. We are the most digitized because we run an E-governance system. No public service comes close to us because of what the government of Edo State has done.
“The expectations of the Governor and our expectations in the public service is that you add value.”
He noted, “For a long time, we had just about four first class graduates in the whole of the state. Since this governor came, we have been able to add over 50 First Class graduates. We are moving to the promised land and we hope that you will add value and your presence will significantly help us improve on our public service.”
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Isaac Ofuje Oguns, said the gesture by Governor Obaseki has encouraged and created an opportunity for young graduates to make a difference and contribute to the development of the state.
He said, “I would especially like to thank Governor Godwin Obaseki for his visionary leadership and exemplary statesmanship in promoting excellence in education and also youth empowerment. His effort has actually encouraged and created an opportunity for young graduates and young people like me to contribute to the development of the state.”
Esho, an investigative and Citizens Journalist can be reached on: 08161649000.